A call to arms: Setting the framework for a code of practice for mosquito management in European wetlands

Abstract

Wetlands provide multiple services to human societies. Despite policies dedicated to their protection, current European policies do not address the need to balance mosquito management approaches to mitigate dis‐services to human health and well‐being while ensuring that wetland conservation goals are met. Herein, we outline criteria for consideration when developing mosquito control programmes in European wetlands that will allow managers and public health authorities to adopt effective and ecologically sound approaches. Synthesis and applications. The proposed code of practice provides practical advice to local authorities and those involved in mosquito control in order to design an integrated mosquito management strategy that aligns with current environmental legislation. Although this code of practice was developed by European experts, it is transferable to other geographical contexts, integrating the expertise and knowledge of local stakeholders and researchers from the fields of medical entomology, human and animal health and ecology.

Horizon Scanning to Predict and Prioritize Invasive Alien Species With the Potential to Threaten Human Health and Economies on Cyprus

“…In addition to the risk of disease transmission, mosquitoes can also be considered a nuisance and can affect human well-being. They can deter visitors from recreational spaces, which in turn causes adverse economic impacts (Medlock and Vaux, 2015;Martinou et al, 2020). Recognizing the paucity of knowledge on invasive diseases (Roy et al, 2017), we excluded pathogens and other disease causing agents other than those transmitted by invasive alien vectors, such as mosquitoes.…”

“…These plants are predominantly introduced to countries via nurseries. Mosquito awareness campaigns, as well as following the guidance outlined in Martinou et al (2020) for wetland management, could focus on these pathways supported through checks and signposting at airports and ports of arrival such as those carried out in New Zealand (Young, 2003), as well as within the horticulture industry.…”

For the few, not the many: local economic conditions constrain the large-scale management of invasive mosquitoes

“…In response to these scenarios, many researchers and practitioners called for adequate policies to manage invasive mosquitoes, at least where their impacts are the highest and their control is feasible (e.g., Europe) [7] [8] . These could be based on multiple approaches targeting mosquitoes during their larval or adult phase [9] [10] , which are more effective when used synergistically and coupled with the engagement of local communities [11] .…”

Occurrence of Aedes cretinus in Cyprus based on information collected by citizen scientists

“…Surveillance is an essential component of any integrated mosquito management programme designed for native and non-native mosquitoes in natural, protected areas or urban settings (Martinou et al, 2020;Osorio et al, 2014). Understanding the distribution, abundance and seasonality of mosquitoes at the local scale is necessary for any risk assessment to be possible (Schaffner et al, 2013).…”

“…Understanding the distribution, abundance and seasonality of mosquitoes at the local scale is necessary for any risk assessment to be possible (Schaffner et al, 2013). Mosquito surveillance is usually undertaken by skilled operators, experts in medical entomology, public health authorities or researchers and it requires a significant amount of expertise and resources in terms of personnel, equipment, and time (ECDC, 2012(ECDC, , 2014Martinou et al, 2020;Wint et al, 2020).…”